Health and safety-compliant office chairs and armchairs – what requirements must they meet?
Back pain, neck tension and chronic fatigue – unfortunately, these are all part and parcel of daily life for many of us. Office work, whilst comfortable, requires a properly set-up workstation. An unsuitable chair is a sure-fire way to serious health problems that can affect you for years to come. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: choosing an office chair that complies with health and safety regulations.
Rather than getting lost in a maze of complicated regulations and standards, in this article we explain in a simple and practical way what to look out for. We’ll outline five key features that every office chair, to protect your spine and ensure you remain comfortable throughout the working day.
What’s the point of these regulations, really? The role of health and safety in the office
Health and Safety at Work regulations are not just a set of boring rules, but specific guidelines designed to protect your health. Regulations, such as the one concerning workstations fitted with computer monitors, place an obligation on employers to provide suitable equipment, but in reality every employee – especially those working remotely – should take care of these aspects.
The main benefits of working in an ergonomic chair are:
- Reducing the risk of occupational diseases. - Correct posture minimises the risk of spinal conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome and circulatory problems.
- Improved comfort and concentration. - When you’re not in any pain, you can focus fully on your tasks, which leads to greater efficiency.
- Long-term healthcare. - Investing in ergonomics is an investment in your future.
Six features of an office chair that complies with health and safety regulations
Rather than focusing on the names of the standards, let’s get down to specifics. Here are six key features that make an office chair safe and ergonomic. These requirements are set out in legislation, and every office chair that complies with health and safety regulations should meet them.
- Adjustable seat height - This is essential. The seat should allow you to rest your feet comfortably on the floor, and the angle between your thigh and lower leg should be approximately 90 degrees. The adjustment mechanism must be easily accessible whilst seated.
- Lumbar support - This component is at the heart of every ergonomic chair. The chair must have a properly contoured backrest, and ideally an adjustable support that precisely follows the natural curve of your back. It is this feature that protects your spine from strain.
- Backrest adjustment mechanism - It is worth ensuring that the chair’s backrest can be adjusted in two ways – in height and in angle. This allows for dynamic sitting, i.e. frequent changes of position, which relieves pressure on the spine and muscles.
- Rotating design (360°) - In accordance with the regulations, the chair must allow the user to rotate freely around its own axis. This allows for easy access to different parts of the workstation without having to twist the spine.
- Adjustable armrests - Correctly positioned armrests provide relief for your shoulders and neck. They should be adjustable in height and width so that your elbows are bent at a right angle and your arms hang freely.
- A stable base with castors - The chair base must have at least five legs to ensure stability. The castors should be suited to the type of flooring (hard castors for carpets, and soft castors for laminate flooring and tiles), ensuring smooth and safe movement around the office.
Look after your health – make informed choices!
Choosing an office chair is a crucial decision that has a real impact on your health and wellbeing. Remember that a chair that complies with health and safety regulations is an investment that pays for itself every day – in the form of improved wellbeing and freedom from pain.
By keeping these five simple features in mind, you can be sure you’re choosing a product that not only looks good but, above all, is safe. In our shop, you’ll find office chairs that meet all these health and safety standards. We invite you to browse our range and find an office chair that will provide you with comfort and safety for years to come.
